Does the average American really believe the rest of the world wants their type of democracy?

Question

Do you really think that any type of government can just be transplanted without considering local conditions. Are you really so arrogant that you will force us with your arms to accept YOUR type of freedom? How is that different from a dictator forcing his viewpoint on us?

We will always be thankfull for the billions of USAID, but that does not mean that we want your government. (I am South African and and Arab, not that it makes any difference though).

TYPO: sorry I am NOT an Arab

Democracy must be one of the most inefficient government systems. It is however also one of the best system to guarantee individual freedoms.

Democracy as a system will ONLY work if it has devloped in the minds and hearts of the people. Not if it is implemented at the barrel of a gun.

Every country has to adapt governmental systems to suit itself. See differences between Canada, UK, USA etc.

Answer 1

Unfortunately yes, we have a big problem here in the States with people believing that the rest of the world thinks and believes like us. I have had the privilege of traveling a bit (thanks to being in the service) and have found out that the rest of the world thinks the way the rest of the world does, which normally not the same as we do. Most Americans have no clue what it is like in other countries and really there is no outlet here to find out.

Answer 2

I think the US transplanting its form of democracy is at an end. Though I happen to like and appreciate my country (I am an American) I believe it is a mistake to try to force or otherwise influence other countries to accept our form of government as a model for their own. Our government was the result of numerous compromises and was created at a particular place and time that was unique. Other nations and peoples may not be able to adapt or accept this template based on their own unique experiences or cultural biases. We need to simply be open and honest about the strengths and weaknesses of our government and let others make up their own mind about what government they need.

Answer 3

Yes. I believe that cultural identity and regional customs all need to be upheld and respected for any successful political system to be established. I don't believe there is a perfect one-fits-all solution to every government and you are right in that the American way will not work everywhere in the world.

On the other hand, yes, democracy has it's flaws, but I believe it can be adapted to almost any situation since universally all human beings would prefer having some sort of say in how their government runs their lives if they are directly affected by the policies that control them, rather than be forced to do what their government forces them to do. even if it goes against their own interests.

In a participatory society (not necessarily the U.S. form of democracy), a nation benefits from this in that it keeps its citizens of diverse views, cultures, and interests from being dominated by any one group in power since they have representatives that allow them to be heard without repression or threat of persecution under the law. As a whole it keeps citizens relatively content despite their differences.

The danger is if a nation of diverse citizens is in discontent, then the whole system fails and you have ethnic, religious, and political divisions that tear the entire government infrastructure apart. In this case, I think a participatory government is the best way to keep it together. In such circumstances, some sort of adapted democracy works best... But yes, it only works if the people of the region are willing to adopt it as their own identity. If it is something regarded as being forced on by Americans at gunpoint, then I don't think it will work. So in then end, each diverse group will build walls and fortresses around each other and instead of being neighbors and letting their kids play together, it will lead to bitter ethnic and cultural division and the cycle of petty and senseless violence only continues. What is the best solution to this? Do you have one? I really think ours works best for us even though it is far from perfect.

Answer 4

I'm not sure if every American believes that the rest of the World wants exactly what Americans want. I'm not sure that they do. I mean it would be nice to live in a World in which everyone was free and able to live their lives on thier terms (as long as they abiding the laws) however, it took America years to allow African Americans have the same freedoms in which we are invading other country's to enforce. I don't believe that anyone should be forced to live their lives, however, I do believe that people who seek help or freedom should be helped. I don't think anyone deserves to be imprisoned or harmed for wanting to freed.

Answer 5

Seems to me STOCKPICKER, you're not educated either. We went to Vietnam to force the country out of communistic rule, remember? We always had a hand in the South American governments. Remember Nicaragua? Get a history book and read it before you tell others, ok?

As far as your question: In history, people wanted their government to be like ours because they saw the good side of it, but that was yesterday. Today, people see flaws in our government like they see in others, but many still want to come here. However, other countries see the US as trying to force countries to live like the US, and they see it as wrong. They see America trying to colonize other countries, so they are upset with us. Until we stop forcing countries like Iraq to become like us, we will be seen as the "ugly American", and that won't happen until we have a new president.

Answer 6

Are you kidding? We don't even want it here and you really think we want to shove it down anyone else's throat. no way.
Are you also blaming the average American for what we have no control over? I'm so fed up with people who blame us for something that isn't any of our fault and if you really need to put the blame on someone why not try the source of the trouble and not us?
Take your pointing fingers and point them to the White house and no where else and you just might do yourself so good for a change instead of pointing your fingers in the wrong direction.
We have protested the war that Bush is enjoying and we only end up in jail for speaking our minds, so put that in you pipe and smoke it else where.

Answer 7

US form of government is freedom, The Arabs did not complain when we defended Kuwait when Saddam invaded. If you have such issues with the US stay out. When your home country is hit with a disaster of famine don't call us.

Answer 8

i'm not sure that everyone really wants U.S.-style democracy. but i'm pretty damn sure that everyone wants at least some sort of voice in how their country is run. even if they want to elect some islamofascist government, that's their choice. but no one should be forced to submit to the governance of someone who achieves power through brute strength or birth. that's just idiotic.

Answer 9

We should have heard from you before the rest of your country asked US to help.Your opinion is your opinion,but historically countries ask us for help,Iraq did,you didn't hear about it because those that asked would have been executed.We had really rather stay home and watch you get chewed up in Saddam's meatgrinder.

Answer 10

The problem is that most people want our style of government but they do not want the trials and tribulations that go along with it.